deercountry | [open] April catch-all

(ooc | I'm open to more than one prompt, but unless otherwise stated, anything after the first will have Ash know a bit more of what to expect )

[ Though he's more of a night person, Ash does travel during both night and day, but no matter the time, he doesn't radiate a willingness to socialize. With no intentions to talk to anyone, his eyes are almost always forward until the shimmering color catches his attention. How could he predict what would happen next?

The process is only less odd than the result for how odd the result is. He's so accustomed to his own features that seeing jade eyes staring back at him is...

Ash's words echo his thoughts: ]

What the hell?

[ It's a beautiful bird, really. Its fiery wings and majestic stance draw a lot of attention and for that reason, Ash is careful about when he brings it out. The omen has no special powers despite its appearance, and flashy animals don't do too well in a dangerous world.

Today, it decided to escape on its own. If Ash is going to keep to himself so much, it has no choice but to intervene. That's why it's landing on the shoulders of passerbys, requiring Ash to follow behind. ]

If you're going to stay there, I'll just let them take you home.

[ The creature looks at the buddy it's just claimed. Are they hearing these threats? ]

[ On the one hand, having a bird like this on Chizuru's shoulder isn't anything too new to the girl, considering her own usually sits there just like that. In fact, it is doing so right now - though it's a whole lot less flashy than the phoenix. Her own Omen seems to be a much smaller and darker bird, looking like it's peacefully asleep on the shoulder that isn't carrying the - apparently offensive - phoenix.

Chizuru stops the moment she feels that she's suddenly got not one, but two birds on her shoulders, blinking with surprise at the phoenix. At first she worries a little that it might be some sort of Trench monster, even though it doesn't quite look like a monster..

.. until she hears someone calling out. The girl slowly turns around, trying to avoid jostling either bird off her shoulder, and then stares at Ash with wide eyes. ]

Um.. is this one yours?

[ It probably is, judging by what he's saying, huh. ]

Somehow.

[ A phoenix is often known for its domestic nature, but this one seems to have gotten itself confused with being a dog. Since Chizuru is careful in the way she turns, the phoenix gives a nuzzle into her hair; the flames seem to give off no heat at the moment if they ever do. ]

He decided it was time for a flight, and it was a pain chasing after something that can fly. Get over here before you become dinner for some monster.

[ The phoenix doesn't move.

He sighs and moves to grab at him. The phoenix jumps and begins to circle them. Ash is far from impressed. ]

It looks like you know something about birds.

Ah.. Not too much.

[ The expression on her face is a little flustered as she answers the last part of what he's saying - but a moment before that, as she was watching him attempting (and failing) to wrangle the bird, it looked a little more sympathetic, at least.

Chizuru's Omen has never given her any trouble, but it seems this poor person is having a bit more of a struggle.. ]

This is my Omen. [ She explains, pointing at the smaller, sleeping bird on her shoulder, before glancing over at the phoenix that's still flying around them. ] He's usually asleep like this.. But it seems like yours is..

[ How to put this diplomatically. ]

.. a lot more active.

[ Nailed it.

But since this is Chizuru, and she'd hate to be rude, she can't help but quickly add: ]

B-But it also seems very friendly towards other people! [ And that's a good thing, right? ]

He's usually a lot better about staying indoors, but he decided it was time to move out.

[ The phoenix lands again, still on Chizuru's shoulder. His little hop is in protest. That's not what he's doing at all, and Ash knows it.

Ash knows it, and he's chasing after him for a reason. That makes the running no less annoying. ]

I don't really know what's gotten into him.

[ It seems that Chizuru has been chosen. The phoenix didn't even ask if she had plans first so, rude or not, his talons curl into the fabric of her clothing enough to bring it with him slightly when he flies forward a little. He's too small to actually lift her, but he's urging her in a certain direction. ]

Hey, what are you trying to do? You can't just kidnap people.

Ah..!

[ That's definitely a surprised noise escaping the girl. She doesn't really mind the bird landing on her shoulder or anything, and blames Ash even less for it since Omens just.. are this way sometimes, but she sure didn't expect the bird to start tugging on her.

Sure, it may be impossible to actually lift Chizuru, but she's definitely light enough that she stumbles a step or two forward at the tug. ]

I think he.. he might want something?

[ If the phoenix stops tugging on her for a moment, Chizuru will try to turn her head to actually look at the other person again. ]

Or maybe he wants to go somewhere..? [ B-But she's not quite sure why the phoenix would need her for that when its Sleeper is right there! ]

Probably.

[ Ash's voice assures her guess is as good as his. The phoenix really is normally a lot more docile. The sudden personality change might be worrisome, but he doesn't see other omens acting so out of character. ]

Hey, don't make her fall.

[ The bird seems to calm down and look in the direction he wants to go. If she follows, he'll be content to sit on her shoulder. ]

Maybe he wants a present.

[ For a moment, he smirks. The situation is probably rough on the poor girl, but the thought is amusing. ]

I've never heard of a phoenix trying to extort somebody.

.. well, if he wants something, I'll give it to him..

[ As the girl says that, her tone doesn't sound like she's particularly intimidated into doing this sort of thing. If anything, that statement is way calmer than anything she's said before - as if the idea of just granting requests to completely random Omens that land on her shoulder out of the blue is just a completely normal idea to this girl. Who wouldn't do that for some totally random Omen, clearly!

She turns her head to look at Ash. ]

It kind of seems like he's looking somewhere though, right?

[ It seems that way to Chizuru - but the girl has never been too sure of her own judgement. And since the phoenix belongs to Ash, maybe he'd be able to tell more from his behaviour than Chizuru herself could. ]

Maybe we should find out what that is? Just.. follow his gaze, maybe? [ It's a very, very gentle proposal of a plan. As if Chizuru is ready to change her mind about that idea the moment Ash would suggest anything else at all. It might be why she's staring at him with big eyes - ready to listen to whatever he thinks. ]

[ It's the brown eyes that give him pause. He's never seen her before, Ash is sure of that much, but the look is so familiar that it would have been recognizable if he hadn't been so concerned with assuring the phoenix doesn't make itself prey to some airborne monster. Now that they seem to be coming to some sort of an understanding, Ash can finally see the girl that's become the phoenix's perch.

Wide, brown, and innocent. Like his. The first time he'd seen that kind of softness, he thought it meant the guy was too weak for his kind of world, but Ash was quickly proven wrong. He's been told that green is a rare color, but he disagrees. Warmth is a lot rarer.

She isn't Eiji. His own green eyes blink. She isn't Eiji, but he's gotten used to wanting to build up that kind of stare. ]

Yeah.

[ His word flows as if there wasn't that slight recognition and subsequent pause. ]

Probably. I don't know how familiar he is with the outside world. I don't bring him out much. Bright colors are dangerous.

[ Sighing, Ash is resigned to seeing this through yet. ]

Maybe he's going through his rebellious phase, and he'll drag us to some store with black clothes and music I don't like.

If you're not busy. I can probably at least make sure he lands somewhere else.

[ She shakes her head.

Fairly quickly too - like Chizuru didn't really have to think about this much, if at all. ]

No, it's fine! If he's making such a big scene out of it, then there's got to be something important behind it all, right? In that case, I should definitely help.

[ Sure, Chizuru tends to be a little shy around people she doesn't know. But despite only meeting Ash and his Omen right now - it's not like they seem like unkind people at all, and so she smiles. A smile that's mostly polite, but there's something a little brighter than that around its edges. ]

So.. come on, let's go. I have to confess I'm a little bit curious about where he wants to go too at this point. It feels a little like a treasure hunt, don't you think?

[Tinya can't help admiring his bird. admiring it to the point where Moonlight nips lightly at Tinya's ear where the kitten has been riding on her shoulder.

and when the bird landed on Tinya's other shoulder, she couldn't help but smile. it really is beautiful, even though Moonlight watches carefully.

Moonlight is a jealous Omen. much like her person.

and Tinya smiled warmly] I'm not sure what my kittens or my batcat might think of that. Even Moonlight seems envious, even though she's beautiful and a very good Omen herself.

[which seems to placate Moonlight somewhat, her wary stance backing down]

That'll be for him to figure out.

[ His annoyance is aimed at the bird, but it's said with a hint of something that suggests it's the kind of argument an old married couple might have. Ash isn't actually planning to abandon the bird; if he was, he'd have done so by now. And the phoenix knows it, and he's happy to keep playing the game.

With the omen seeming to have settled everywhere but where he's supposed to be, Ash can finally study the poor girl who's become his perch. ]

Maybe that's the problem. Midnight might have caught his attention.

[ It was actually the two together, and now that the cat has been mentioned, the phoenix tries to peer around to give the kitten a better look.

For a moment, the fire around the bird - harmless and entirely for display - burns a bit brighter. ]

... You like the cat?

[ Not that Midnight isn't a beautiful cat, but is that why he's giving Ash so much trouble? ]

I'm pretty sure it's not a mutual feeling so leave her alone.

[ The phoenix returns his attention to Tinya and sits more properly on her shoulder. He's staying here for now. ]

[that tone makes Tinya giggle. she's all too familiar with it given herself and--well, he's no longer here now. it's pointless to dwell on it, aside from planting the garden, she tells herself.

and despite the hint of chill still in the air, she's wearing a simple white slip dress with no coat or sweater and a pair of white ballet flats. others may question the wisdom of wearing so much white here, but she doesn't pay attention to them]

Well, I can't help how captivating she is. She's always been a head-turner.

[Moonlight regards the bird a bit warily. she knows how small she is in comparison, but her person has never once seemed ashamed of her or her size and knows that will continue.

but the burning brighter--that gets a look of wonder both from the Omen and from Tinya]

She's impossible to not like. Aren't you, Moonlight?

[the kitten Omen gives a mew in acknowledgement and her already wide blue eyes grow wider.

and Tinya giggles] She's jealous, I'm sure that's it. She doesn't like the idea of competing with anyone when it comes to how special she is. Much like her person in that regard.

But that's not your fault, is it? [she coos to the phoenix]

Anyway, now that our Omens are thoroughly acquainted, I should introduce myself. I'm Tinya and it's very nice to meet you.

Ash.

[ Well, at least the girl...Tinya is taking it well. Did the phoenix somehow know? Or did something else catch his attention? It really is a mysterious omen. ]

But I'm nothing like a bird that flies around and picks random perches.

[ And why is the phoenix looking increasingly happy with itself? And what's it suddenly looking at behind them? A building? Ash moves closer to the trio. ]

What are you looking at...? A restaurant? If you're hungry, why are you flying to her instead of just going there?

[ Does Tinya maybe have some food on her person? Even if she did, the phoenix doesn't seem to be searching for it.

Wait.

Damn it. ]

I think he wants you to take him.

[ The phoenix glows again; the guess is right. ]

It's good to meet you, Ash.

[Tinya has seen all kinds of mysteries of her galaxies, it takes a lot to surprise or throw off her off balance. she tries to play it calm and friendly no matter what happens]

Well, maybe he's pointing you in the right directions? I'm not sure it's ever been really clear why our Omens work as they do. Moonlight is incredibly protective, even though she's a little kitten.

[she notices the happy expression on the phoenix's face and coos at it, telling it how pretty it is and how lovely its feathers are.

she smiles at Ash and gives it a curious look, trying to discern what it is the phoenix has in mind]

Iit certainly seems that way. I assume you'll be joining us as this is your Omen. [Moonlight mews plaintively] And yes, I'll check to see if they have any fresh tuna for you. So, let's go. [she says, giving Ash an expectant smile]

[ She's a social butterfly. His habit of analysis is pretty favorable toward her. Tinya speaks and plans as if it's teamwork, including Ash without pushing her agenda onto him. If he has to guess, she's adventurous and not easily shaken. A phoenix lands on her shoulder, hijacks her day, and she seems just as willing as the mythical bird to see where it leads. Combined with a pretty face, it's very likely that Tinya is popular.

And none of that is important to the question, and it all happens without a break in conversation. It seems like they're doing this now. ]

Maybe we can stop by a store and see if they sell leashes for phoenixes.

[ Said bird looks completely undisturbed, and the words are said in the same tone that suggests it's more of a complaint than a suggestion, but since the decision has been made, he'll fall into step beside her. ]

Did you say you had a batcat?

[ Because while he hadn't reacted at the time, it was certainly filed away for later. ]

[his analysis of her is pretty much spot on. she is a social butterfly, always eager to make new friends and learn how to care about others. and four years on a super-hero team made her excellent at getting along with and going along with the plans of others, while still being able to make plans of her own.

and yes. yes, they are.

she giggles brightly] Maybe? Though, I can't imagine a phoenix would take well to being leashed. They seem to be very independent in thought.

[said in a lilting, complimentary tone of voice as she smiles when he falls into step beside her. she knows she's lucky that Moonlight sticks so closely to her. and she absolutely has 'I will fite you' energy, despite being a tiny little thing]

I do! She's a poof of black fur named Carmilla after the old vampire story. I'm coldblood, so I couldn't exactly leave her a bowl of solid blood, so I'd sit in my garden with my hair up and my neck exposed. [she says with a laugh]

[ Ash has always been a talented individual and when he decided to focus on some parts of his blood-related powers, the training went exceeding well. However, he didn't plan on putting more effort into dream walking. While he believes in using everything at your disposal, it would be less useful than the other abilities that come with being a Paleblood.

His powers grow and in his studies, he missed one detail: ignoring a power doesn't mean it doesn't manifest so much as it decreases control.

That's why he finds himself in a stranger's dream. ]

(ooc | Sleep walking accident as Ash learns to control his abilities. He won't randomly master it after the first incident so open to multiples. )

Edited 2023-04-02 07:39 (UTC)

[open] April catch-all

body swapping; open to all

his phoenix decided he should make friends; open to all

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those eyes tho;

Moonlight PB--prettiest kitten eyes ever! 💙

it really does

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dreamhopping; open to all